Personality Vocabulary in Spanish
A collection of Spanish vocabulary words related to personality traits and characteristics.
tener amor propio
having self-love
The Spanish phrase 'tener amor propio' translates to 'having self-love' in English. This phrase is often used to describe the practice of self-care and the affirmation of one's own value and worth as an individual. Just like in English, this phrase stresses the importance of acknowledging and respecting one's individuality and personal needs. Note that 'tener' translates to 'to have', 'amor' translates to 'love', and 'propio' translates to 'own', illustrating how the phrase is a direct translation into English.
tener aspiraciones
aspirations
The Spanish phrase 'tener aspiraciones' translates to 'have aspirations' in English. It denotes an individual's strong desire to achieve something high or great, or to have a particular goal or aim. This phrase can refer to both personal and professional goals, implying a drive to pursue, reach or realize them. Besides, the context of usage may vary, applying to life aspirations like 'tener grandes aspiraciones' which means 'to have high aspirations', or in a job context like 'tener aspiraciones de liderazgo' translating to 'have leadership aspirations'.
tener carácter
to be of character
The Spanish term 'tener carácter' translates to 'to be of character' in English. It usually refers to someone who displays distinctive qualities or attributes that define them. These qualities, often determining one's behavior or actions, can be varied and wide-ranging. It can hint at aspects such as courage, discipline, integrity, resilience, and more. However, it's noteworthy that the connotation behind using 'tener carácter' can change based on context.
tener carácter
of character
'Tener carácter' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'of character' in English. It is often used to describe someone's personality or temperament. For example, saying someone 'tiene carácter' suggests that the person has a strong, distinct personality. Although traditionally it is used towards someone with a strong or aggressive character, it can be used in many different contexts, thus its meaning can vary depending on the situation.
tener complejo de inferioridad
have inferiority complex
The Spanish phrase 'tener complejo de inferioridad' translates to 'have an inferiority complex' in English. An inferiority complex is a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy or not being good enough. It's often rooted in childhood, whether from a specific event, relationship, or series of experiences. People with an inferiority complex often feel their challenges are bigger than everyone else's and tend to lack confidence in their abilities. They might overcompensate by boasting about achievements or belittling others to make themselves feel better. This English phrase and the Spanish counterpart are used in the same way in both languages to describe people with these feelings.
tener complejo de superioridad
have superiority complex
The Spanish phrase 'tener complejo de superioridad' translates to 'have superiority complex' in English. This typically refers to a psychological disorder where an individual has an exaggerated feeling of self-importance, often feeling superior to others. Such a person may exhibit high levels of arrogance, showcasing a disdainful or patronizing attitude. The phrase itself can be broken down into its constituents for better understanding: 'tener' means 'have', 'complejo' translates to 'complex', and 'de superioridad' means 'of superiority'.
tener curiosidad
to be curious
The Spanish phrase 'tener curiosidad' translates to 'to be curious' in English. In Spanish, 'tener' means 'to have', and 'curiosidad' means 'curiosity'. It is used to express a sense of curiosity or interest about something or someone. The phrase is generally used when you want to know more about something or when you find something interesting and you want to discover or learn more about it.
tener doble personalidad
having double personality
The Spanish phrase 'tener doble personalidad' translates to 'having a double personality' in English. This phrase is often used to describe a behavioral condition where a person exhibits two distinct identities or personalities, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment. It could also be used metaphorically in less clinical situations to describe someone who behaves very differently in separate settings or roles.
tener el corazón de piedra
have the heart of stone
The Spanish phrase 'tener el corazón de piedra' translates to 'have the heart of stone' in English. This is a metaphorical phrase often used to describe someone who is emotionally cold or unfeeling. This person may be perceived as lacking empathy, compassion, or emotional responsiveness, much like a stone, which is inanimate and unresponsive. This expression can be used in various contexts, often to characterize individuals who are indifferent to the feelings or needs of others.
tener escrúpulos
have scruples
The Spanish phrase 'tener escrúpulos' translates to 'have scruples' in English. In a linguistic context, scruples refer to a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action. Hence, if someone 'tiene escrúpulos', it suggests that they have moral or ethical reservations about something. This phrase is typically used in situations where decisions are being made and a person's ethical or moral stance influences their choice or behavior.
tener ética
ethics
'Tener ética' is a phrase in Spanish which translates to 'to have ethics' in English. It is often used to refer to the moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. This can apply to various fields like business, healthcare, politics, and everyday life. When someone is said to 'tener ética', it means that they always try to do what is right - according to their moral code or the principles of their profession.
tener mal carácter
to have a bad character
The Spanish phrase 'tener mal carácter' is used to describe a person who typically has a bad or unpleasant disposition or behavior. It is equivalent to the English phrase 'to have a bad character'. This phrase can refer to being easily angered, uncooperative or generally disagreeable in nature.
tener moral
having morality
'Tener moral' in Spanish translates to 'having morality' in English. It pertains to the principles, standards, or quality of being morally upright or virtuous. These are values or virtues that one possesses to differentiate between right and wrong, forming the basis of right conduct. This phrase is often used in the context of behaving or conducting oneself in a manner that is ethically acceptable or commendable.
tener mucho carácter
having a lot of character
The Spanish phrase 'tener mucho carácter' translates to 'having a lot of character' in English. This term refers to a person having distinct traits that make them unique. These characteristics may be a combination of various factors including personality, courage, integrity, and determination. 'Tener mucho carácter' implies that a person is strong-willed and has a strong personality.
tener personalidad
having personality
The Spanish phrase 'tener personalidad' translates to 'having personality' in English. This is usually used to describe someone who has a distinctive or unique character. This could refer to their characteristics, attitudes, or behaviors that make them unique or stand out from others. It typically implies a strong, noticeable character rather than a weak or unnoticeable one. It can also refer to confidence or self-expression.
tener personalidad
having personality
The Spanish phrase 'tener personalidad' translates to 'having personality' in English. It generally refers to an individual exhibiting distinctive characteristics, traits or behaviors, that define their individuality or uniqueness. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, indicating a strong, weak or specific type of personality. It is frequently employed in conversational and written Spanish.
tener poco carácter
having little character
The Spanish phrase 'tener poco carácter' translates to 'having little character' in English. This phrase is often used to describe a person who is seen as weak, lacks assertiveness or strength of character. Notably, it does not typically relate to morality or honesty, as the concept of 'character' often does in English, but more with personal strength, determination, or backbone.
tener sangre fría
have cold blood.
'Tener sangre fría' in Spanish is what we call 'having cold blood' in English, which does not mean literally having one's blood temperature lowered. It is a slang for being calm and composed, especially in stressful or demanding situations. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is able to keep a 'cool head' or control their feelings and emotions under pressure.
tener sentido del humor
have a sense of humor
The phrase 'tener sentido del humor' in Spanish translates to 'have a sense of humor' in English. It refers to the ability to perceive, appreciate, or express what is funny, amusing, or ludicrous. This phrase is used in various contexts, usually to describe someone's personality trait. It can denote a positive quality, signifying that the person can understand humor and laugh at things or situations that most people find amusing. This phrase plays a important role in conversation, as it adds to the dynamics of social interaction.
tener temperamento
Have temperament
The Spanish phrase 'tener temperamento' translates to 'have temperament' in English. It is typically used to describe a person's baseline mood disposition or personality. This phrase could be used to indicate whether a person is generally calm, easily angered, cheerful, etc. The temperament a person 'has' could refer to numerous aspects of their psychological makeup.
tener temperamento
have temperament
The Spanish phrase 'tener temperamento' translates to 'have temperament' in English. This can refer to showing a particular mood or attitude, often strong in nature. For instance, personality traits like being easily irritated or excitable are associated with having temperament. The phrase is used to describe someone's character or disposition that is considered as a unique individual feature.
tener un carácter brusco
to have a brute character
The phrase 'tener un carácter brusco' in Spanish translates into English as 'to have a brute character'. This refers to someone who is often frank, direct, or unyielding in nature, potentially to the point of rudeness or lack of tact. They might be blunt, straightforward and it sometimes may seem they lack courtesy or politeness. This phrase isn't describing a physical characteristic, instead it focuses on a persona or temperament.
tener un carácter débil
having a weak character
The Spanish phrase 'tener un carácter débil' translates to 'having a weak character' in English. This phrase is used to describe an individual who lacks strong willpower, determination or moral courage. It is commonly used in contexts where a person's personality traits or behavioral patterns are being evaluated or criticized, and it paints a picture of someone who is easily influenced, submissive or lacking in assertiveness.
tener un carácter difícil
having a difficult character
The Spanish phrase 'tener un carácter difícil' translates to 'having a difficult character' in English. It is used to describe a person who is challenging to understand or deal with. This could be due to moodiness, unpredictability, or stubbornness. In many instances, this phrase is not necessarily connected to the individual's morality or goodness, but rather their complexity and how demanding it could be to interact with them.
tener un carácter fácil
having an easy character
The Spanish phrase 'tener un carácter fácil' directly translates to 'having an easy character' in English. It is used to describe a person who is easy to get along with, not complicated, and generally pleasant. It suggests a personality that is approachable, understanding, and amiable, often leading to favorable social interactions. This phrase may be used in daily conversations, and serves as a compliment when used to describe a person.
tener un carácter fuerte
having a strong character
The Spanish phrase 'tener un carácter fuerte' translates to 'having a strong character' in English. This refers to someone who is determined, assertive, and is able to withstand difficulties or adversity. The individual generally possesses qualities such as resilience, courage, and a firmness of mind or spirit. This phrase is commonly used to describe a person's personality or temperament.
tener un carácter serio
having a serious character
The phrase 'tener un carácter serio' in Spanish translates to 'having a serious character' in English. It could signify a person who is solemn, earnest, or not given to frivolity or levity. It can also refer to a situation, idea, or entity having a weighty or important nature. The context will usually determine the precise meaning.
tener un carácter tranquilo
have a calm character
The Spanish phrase 'tener un carácter tranquilo' translates to 'have a calm character' in English. This phrase may be used to describe someone who is typically calm, collected, or peaceful in their demeanor. Character refers to an individual's qualities or traits, and tranquil refers to a state of peace or calm. Therefore, someone with a 'tranquil character' would be someone who generally exhibits a peaceful, calm disposition.
ternura
tenderness
The Spanish word 'ternura' translates to 'tenderness' in English. Some synonyms for this could include affection, gentleness, fondness, and warmth. This is because 'ternura' embodies a certain sense of gentle or kind emotion that is often expressed between people. The term can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing someone's disposition, an emotional moment, or a person's reaction to a touching moment or gesture.
tierno
tender
'Tierno' is a Spanish adjective often used to describe something or someone who is tender, soft or gentle. The term can be used in various contexts, for instance, referring to food (meaning the food is tender), referring to emotions or character of a person (meaning the person is gentle or kind-hearted), among others. As with many adjectives in Spanish, 'tierno' may change its form, namely 'tierna', 'tiernos', 'tiernas' depending on the gender and number of the noun it describes.